Then all thought of quitting would vanish, and back he would go to the shack, to be rewarded by a wonderful look of dog-like gratitude that would shine in Snooks 'festered eyes, replacing the haunting fear that always lurked there whenever the boy remained outside any length of time – the fear that Con, too, had gone, as had his "pardner," leaving him forever alone.

Then all thought of quitting would vanish, and back he would go to the shack, to be rewarded by a wonderful look of dog-like gratitude that would shine in Snooks 'festered eyes, replacing the haunting fear that always lurked there whenever the boy remained outside any length of time -- the fear that Con, too, had gone, as had his "pardner," leaving him forever alone.